Australia announced today that it has accepted the US offer for its long-range, mobile rocket system. The government said the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) would deter attacks on Australia and could also be flown for worldwide deployment.

The government plans to deploy Australia’s HIMARS systems in 2026-2027.

“The effectiveness of the HIMARS system in the Ukraine conflict definitely influenced the government’s decision,” Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy told public broadcaster ABC. The minister refrained from giving a price for the system and said that only Australia will spend 1-2 billion euros on HIMARS, and the Naval Attack Missile manufactured by Norway-based Kongsberg, which will equip its destroyers and frigates from 2024.

Asked whether HIMARS would be deployed in the Pacific region, where China has growing military and diplomatic clout, the Minister said the ease with which it can be transported anywhere in the world makes it a “truly essential asset”.